How to Control Red Ants on Mango Trees

Caring for mango trees properly to be able to fully enjoy the benefits of this luscious fruit requires enough time and energy without having to protect your investment as well. Red ants are known to be aggressive so when you see them marching up your mango trees to steal the fruits of your labor it can be a bit despairing. Fortunately, all is not lost in this battle even though it can appear that way as you are more than outnumbered. With a few little tricks you can easily protect your trees and banish these little invaders once and for all.

Things You'll Need

Duct tape

Scissors

Dry grits

Large pot

Sliced fruit

Lavender, tansy or mint plants

Cucumber peels

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Wrap duct tape around the base of the tree with the sticky side facing out. As red ants attempt to traverse across the tape they will become stuck. Cut away the tape with scissors and replace it as needed when it becomes covered in dead, stuck ants.

Sprinkle dry grits around the base of the tree to entice ants to collect the easier to get to treats. When the ants bring the dry grits back to their nest, it will kill off large numbers of them. Dry cornmeal works as well if you don’t have any dry grits.

Locate red ant hill nests around your property and pour a large pot of boiling water into each one. This will kill many ants instantly by burning them, drowning them or both. This will take several applications to wipe out the entire nest. Do this daily to see a significant drop in your red ant population.

Slice fruit into pieces and drop it around the base of the tree to distract ants from climbing up it. Birds will also notice the free easily accessible meal and fly down to get it. They will carry away the fruit plus some unlucky ants who tried to get it first.

Plant lavender, tansy, or mint around the base of the trees to create a smell that will help keep ants away. Cucumber peels scattered around the base of the tree has a similar effect.

Tips & Warnings

If you opt to use a commercial ant repellent, read and follow the manufacturers' instructions carefully. Many of these products are not safe to use around children, pets or fruits you plan on eating so become familiar with the product before you use it.